March 26, 2026
The Michigan Neurogenetics and Developmental Psychopathology (MiND) lab, directed by Dr. Luke Hyde, and the Translational and Developmental Neuroscience (TaD) lab, directed by Christopher Monk, are searching for a lab manager/research assistant (Research Technician Associate) for the SAND Project that examines the development of young adult risk and resilience from multiple levels of analysis (using fMRI, molecular genetics, longitudinal approaches, and psychiatric interviews with young adults from disadvantaged contexts).
The SAND is a longitudinal study of families from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Study participants are now young adults (age ~24) and visiting our lab in Michigan where we are examining ecological variables across development that are associated with resilience and risk on neurobehavioral systems. This study is funded by multiple awards from NIMH.
The study includes young adults visiting the lab for a full day visit including an MRI scan, psychiatric interview, biospecimen assay (e.g., saliva, blood), and survey measures. Most of the participants live in cities far from Ann Arbor and thus fly to visit with us. This project currently needs additional staff members with experience with project management (i.e., recruitment, travel logistics), data management/MRI processing, and/or training and oversight of undergraduate students in the lab.
Duties for this position will include coordinating the project (e.g., training undergraduate students on their projects and tasks, scheduling and recruiting participants, organizing and cleaning data), doing in-lab visits with young adults (including psychiatric interviews, administering self-report measures, and supervising undergraduate assistants), running participants through MRI scans, and processing and analyzing MRI data. This position is ideal for those interested in pursuing a future PhD in clinical or developmental psychology or neuroscience.
A very successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to the writing of empirical papers. Both labs focus on understanding the impact of adversity on brain and behavioral development and Dr. Monk’s lab focuses on internalizing outcomes, whereas Dr. Hyde’s lab focuses on externalizing outcomes. Both labs are committed to understanding resilience and identifying factors that promote success among youth and adults who have been marginalized and/or oppressed based on their socioeconomic status and/or ethnic or racial identity.
How to apply
Applicants must apply online via U-M Careers, using job opening ID 273895 or via this link. A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Please include your GPA and undergraduate institution (if applicable) in your cover letter as well. Note that all of your application materials must be combined into a single document.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or Associate’s degree
- 1 year of research experience
- Exceptional communication (written and verbal), organizational, and time management skills
- Experience working with families and children
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, and interest in clinical and developmental psychology or neuroscience
- Experience in several (but not all) of the following areas: psychiatric interviewing, working with underserved families in the community, computer programing experience (e.g., Matlab, R, command line), and experience with fMRI processing and analysis
Additional Information
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. However, the aim is to renew the position for at least 2-3 years, as the role will require large amounts of training. Preference will be given to candidates that are interested in a multi-year commitment.
The anticipated start date is flexible; however, an ideal start date is as soon as possible.
The salary range is $31,200 – $33,900. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate’s experience.
The MiND and TaD labs value diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, including goals to make the workplace diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive and to provide thoughtful interaction with participants that is culturally competent and humble, and meets shared goals between researchers, participants, and communities. We particularly encourage applications from those who identify with under-represented and marginalized identities and who value a lab with members who bring divergent viewpoints and experiences to our work.
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity, and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:
- Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities, or differences.
- Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.
- The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
